2G probe not polluted by alleged collusion: CBI chief

Feb 12, 2013, 09.36PM ISTPTI

Describing the incident as an "eye-opener", the CBI chief Ranjit Sinha told the JPC that even the agency was surprised over the alleged development although it has counter-intelligence mechanism in place which could

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of alleged collusion between CBI prosecutor and an accused in 2G scam, CBI chief Ranjit Sinha today insisted that it has not "polluted" the probe into the case but admitted that the agency's reputation suffers by such incidents.

Sinha was grilled by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 2G scam, with members posing tough questions over the agency's credibility and asking how it had failed to detect the alleged collusion between its prosecutor A K Singh and Unitech managing director Sanjay Chandra.

Describing the incident as an "eye-opener", the CBI chief told the JPC that even the agency was surprised over the alleged development although it has counter-intelligence mechanism in place which could not detect it.

"The CBI director clarified that A K Singh is one of the prosecutors (in the 2G case) assisting chief prosecutor U U Lalit appointed by the Supreme Court...He (Sinha) said Singh was only one of the prosecutors, therefore, the investigation into the case has not been polluted (by the alleged collusion)," JPC chairman P C Chacko told reporters after the meeting.

The taped conversation purportedly between Singh and Chandra related to legal strategy of the case.

Sinha said after the purported expose, Singh has been removed from the case and a new prosecutor has been appointed in his place.

Noting that both Singh and Chandra have denied the conversation, the CBI chief said any punitive action can take place only after forensic test and further inquiry.

Sinha said the tape of the conversation was given to a DIG in CBI by a "source" 10 days back and indicated that the interception was carried out by some private entity.